Portland to race 79 days in 2009-10

Portland Meadows will hold a 79-day 2009-10 meeting beginning Oct. 5 and ending May 1, 2010, the track announced Wednesday. The schedule is up from the 66 days carded in 2008-09.

The track will race Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays through February, then shift to Mondays and Wednesdays for March and April. Closing day will be on a Saturday, Kentucky Derby Day.

First post will be at 12:45 p.m. daily, except for May 1, when live racing will begin at 11:05 a.m.

The Portland Meadows barn area will open for full-time training on Wednesday, Aug. 5.